How Meghan Markle's first visit to New Zealand compares to royal tour

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are wrapping up their last days in New Zealand as part of the final leg of their international royal tour.

As expected, the newlyweds had an itinerary packed full of formalities including a welcome dinner at Government House in Wellington, followed by a day of touring hot spots like the iconic Maranui Café, and scenic Abel Tasman National Park.

From being escorted by bodyguards, to adhering to royal protocols, and talking all things women’s rights and environmental conservation, it’s fair to say this trip was certainly a very different experience to Meghan Markle’s previous carefree visit to New Zealand.

Before her days of royalty, the former Suits actress embarked on a two-week road trip travelling across the country in a campervan, making several stops along the way.

It was back in 2014 – after Meghan separated from her first husband Trevor Engelson the year before – and luckily for us, we have managed to recover a blog post she wrote on her now-defunct lifestyle site, The Tig,

The post detailed the best of her ‘spectacular’ Kiwi adventure across Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier, Marlborough, Kaikoura and Akaroa, as well as Waiheke Island, and frankly, looks like a ball.

Channelling her inner ‘girl scout’, Meghan did everything from fly fishing and climbing glaciers to wine tastings at local vineyards, swimming with dolphins and hiking mountains.

“With a landscape that ranges from stunning lakes, welcoming wine country, glaciers, forest, farmland and beaches, New Zealand is undoubtedly spectacular,” Meghan wrote on her blog.

And given she had the freedom to wear what she wanted, Meghan opted for comfort over style, dressing in ugg boots, mini-shorts and a zip-up tracksuit jumper.

It’s a stark contrast to her regal fashion choices we see now – including a custom-made black formal gown by Gabriela Hearst paired with a symbolic pendant necklace worth over $15,000, which she wore at Government House.

Today, Prince Harry and Meghan will visit New Zealand’s Pillars charity, supporting children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes.

They will also meet members of the public at Viaduct harbour and attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister tonight at the Auckland War Museum.

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